No Grumbling!

Philippians 2: 14 - 15

¹⁴ Do all things without grumbling or disputing, ¹⁵ that you may be blameless and innocent…                  

 

Paul’s charge, is to the church at Philippi.

Apparently there was some grumbling and disputing going on in the church.

 

I wonder if that’s the mark of the church in this modern day?

Allow me to make one thing clear, grumbling and disputing is not a means for remaining blameless and innocent in the church.

 

Church people should be different from the people in the world.

Would you say that the people of your church, are different? I mean in a good way J

 

I wonder what might happen, if we, the people of the church came to pray together, instead of grumbling?

That puts a whole new light on the church experience, now doesn’t it?

 

When someone comes up to you to grumble, will you offer some loving correction?

When someone comes to dispute meaningless conditions, will you instead take their hand and ask them to pray?

 

I think if the church  prayed more, and study God’s Word more, we’d have less grumbling.

Another word used in the KJV, is murmuring.

 

A murmuring person can be stopped and restored.

Grumbling can be completely eliminated.

 

It very much depends on whether we want to be blameless and innocent, when Jesus returns…

Truly devoted!

2 Corinthians 11: 3

3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

What is pure and sincere devotion to Christ?

The only thing I can compare it to, is watching people who were once totally sold out to Christ, and then watch them as they take a big step backward.

Can the people of the church be led astray?

I think that’s certainly within the realm of possibility.

I can think of people, who were at one time, very much sincere and devoted to my Pastoral ministry.

As time moved on though, some have truthfully wandered and have been led astray.

The same ways that the devil was cunning and crafty with Eve, is the same way he operates today.

I speak to people in Christian ministry all the time, and they witness that the craftiness of the enemy, is becoming more and more intense.

The only way I can relate to sincere and pure devotion, is when I consider the same group of guys who join me for prayer on Tuesday mornings.

It would be so easy for any of them to give up to the urge to sleep in, but the same 5 or 6 guys are still joining me for prayer.

Just to get ready, I’m up around 3:45am.

Once we start praying though, there’s no where I’d rather be, than praying with 5 strong men of the faith  @ 5:30am.

There are times when the enemy has tried to deceive me, but I’d really prefer not being led astray…

Make Wise Choices!

Joshua 24: 15

...choose this day whom you will serve…

We are on the brink of the summer months, and the weather is turning out to be great. At least this week it is!

Summer and nice weather are good for people, but not necessarily for churches or God.

Every day we have the opportunity set before us, that which will get our sincere affection.

Often times in the summer months, God isn’t always at the top of the list.

I wonder if we’re really honest with ourselves?

Are we really sincere in our service to the Kingdom?

I don’t think summer vacations are wrong, but what we spend the most time with, usually get’s our unbridled devotion.

Could it be that when we choose something in the summer, that isn’t God, then we have selected what we plan to serve?

I realize that in some churches, this would be considered very radical thinking.

I guess for me as a Pastor, I don’t honestly know anything but radical love for God.

One of the biggest lies we tell ourselves during the summer months, is… “I can obey God, and I don’t need church to do that.”

Didn’t Jesus say something about not being able to serve God and mammon? I’m pretty sure He did.

Can you name an area you’re currently serving in, in your home church?

If you can’t name something, then why would that be?

Let’s just be sure we’re serving God, all year long, and choosing to serve Him wholeheartedly…

Are you Listening?

Psalm 66: 18

If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened.

Is it only me, or does God seem silent at times?

Maybe that’s the time we should begin asking some questions while we pray.

There are times when we’re just not going to hear from God.

Job, was well acquainted with a God that seemed very silent.

Maybe during quiet times, we should look within.

Maybe when God seems distant and quiet, we should look deep within our own souls.

Maybe some of the questions that should be asked, are…

Do I have a wrong motive in my walk with Jesus?

Is there something I obviously love, more than God?

When we start hearing from God again, we should first off, ask Him for forgiveness.

I don’t know about a single soul, that became undone by being honest with God.

Restoration in fellowship with God, is a beautiful thing.

There’s no obligation for God to answer us, but He sure does love us…

Right Fighting!

1 Timothy 6: 12 ESV

12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

I spoke to a church friend yesterday, and we discussed the infighting we sometimes see in the church.

I wonder how many people in the church, are fighting the good fight of the faith?

When conflict comes into the church, how many are really willing to stick around and fight the good fight?

We so often take our bruised, prideful egos, and run for the cover of darkness, when things don’t go our way.

We even substantiate our fleeing spirit, in the name of Christ.

I don’t tell many people this, but for a few good friends of the faith, I often affirm to them… “I would go to war with you!”

I don’t say that very freely, because I know that during the battle, some might shoot me in the back.

I believe that every time someone gives up the fight for dumb reasons, God’s spirit is greatly grieved.

How are you doing, in the midst of the battle?

Are you ready to give up the fight?

Have we forgotten sometimes, that the picture of the church, is us (the bride), and Christ, (the groom)?

Maybe the reason so many marriages fail now days, is because people don’t want, or even know how to fight anymore.

Maybe before you leave the church you’re in, maybe the solution might come, while you engage in hand to hand combat, instead of running away…

Ask yourself: “Am I really engaged in the good fight of the faith?”

No Consideration!

Acts 1: 8

^8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

When someone is incarcerated or put under arrest, the usual thing to happen, is that the law enforcement officer, will read you your Miranda Rights.

The first sentence in those rights are; “You have the right to remain silent…”

That may be a lawful thing to consider when you’re being put under arrest.

That is nothing to consider, as a follower of Christ.

Jesus said that we should be His witnesses, in every square inch of this earth.

He’s telling us in essence… “Don’t remain silent!!”

Why would anyone want to be silent about Jesus?

We don’t have to be silent, because when we decided to follow Jesus, we received power.

How are you using that power?

How has the Holy Spirit been prompting you to be vocal for Jesus’ sake?

If Jesus met you face to face today, what kind of a witness would He say you are?

In this case, we don’t have limited power, but unlimited power.

We do not have the right to remain silent.

Actually, we should be completely vocal about how Jesus has changed your life…

Ask yourself: “How will I be a witness for Jesus today?”

Seek First

Matthew 6: 33

³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Yesterday for me, was without a doubt, one of the most frustrating days I can remember for a long time.

Nothing seemed to go right, and when it came time for me to go to bed, I could hardly wait.

For me, that seems to be more of the norm lately, than the exception.

And then it hit me… “How have I made Jesus and His Kingdom, first, today?”

I get e-mail’s all the time, of people allegedly hearing from God.

Then when I back track, and trace the true heart of the message, they haven’t sought Jesus first, either.

Seeking Jesus looks like something, and also sounds like something.

Call me a cynic, but I don’t see many people seeking Jesus first, before they seek something or someone else.

If we seek Jesus first, then it will never be about us.

If we seek Jesus first, then we will have abundantly, and without reserve.

When we seek Jesus first, we will not in any way, have a critical, wavering, spirit.

Committed people seek Jesus first…selfish people seek after selfish gain.

Maybe the reason some of our lost loved one’s still aren’t saved, is because they don’t see us seeking Jesus first.

Is that possible?

Ask yourself: “Is Jesus always at the forefront of my thoughts, and does He really guide my heart?

Fashioned!

Job 10: 8

⁸ Your hands fashioned and made me…

God loves variety and uniqueness.

Each person He personally crafted, and He took pride in making every single human being.

Do you see yourself as being unique?

Whether you do or not, doesn’t change how God feels about you.

Did you know that scientists suggest, that in one cubic foot of snow, there are approximately 18,000 snowflakes.

Here’s the cool part: Not one of them are alike!

Did you know that there is nobody else in the world like you?

When God made you, He literally broke the mold.

Now, since you are unique and creative with certain gifts, how are you using those gifts to glorify God?

How are you using your gifts within the Body of Christ?

You are using your gifts, aren’t you?

If not, then it’s high time you start to contribute.

Ask yourself: “Because I’m special to God, how much does it matter that I glorify Him with my gifts?”

And by the way, you’re never too old to contribute. Don’t listen to the oldest lie of the devil…

False!

Matthew 24: 24 ESV

²⁴ For false Christ’s and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Is it possible for the elect to be led astray?

Actually, as I consider the state of the church today, nothing would surprise me.

For a person not to be carried away, they should stay very close to the One who predicted the signs.

The time for THE false prophet, will one day come.

Actually, some even speculate that he could be closer than we think.

I’m not suggesting that I know more than the everyday Pastor, but we should be closely watching.

Some think that, President Recap Tyyip Erdogan of Turkey could be the anti-Christ.

Turkey is currently bringing back the spirit of the Ottoman Empire.

I realize that some will poo-poo this observation, but it’s just that, an observation.

There’s no way on knowing if this cat is the real deal, but what if he is?

Maybe it’s time to get ready for the return of Jesus.

I’ve been preaching on this event for 12 years, and others have been for many years before me.

One thing’s for sure, Jesus is coming again, and yet another one will come and deceive, and if possible, the elect…

Ask yourself: “Am I really ready for Jesus to return, even if it’s in the next hour?”

A Prisoner!

Philemon 1: 1

¹ Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus…

Paul identifies himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

He also says the same thing, when he’s writing in Ephesians chapter 3.

How many of you remember the great 1960’s comedy sitcom… “Hogan’s Heroes”?

This group of allied fighters, were prisoners of war, on purpose.

They did everything behind the scenes, to destroy the plans of the enemy.

In a laughable way, they hindered every plan of the Germans.

My favorite character, was the lovable… “Sergeant Shultz”, played by John Banner.

His forever recognizable line, was… “I know nothing!!”

Actually, that was St. Paul’s line too, in 1 Corinthians 2: 2… “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

When people witness your life, would they call you a prisoner of Jesus?

Do you know nothing, except Christ crucified?

Again, the immortal words of Sergeant Shultz ring true this morning…

“And even if I know something-I know nothing!”

Ask yourself: “Am I prisoner of Jesus, or am I a prisoner of something else?”

Mixed up Love!

Matthew 23: 27

²⁷ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful,

but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness.”

Can you imagine anyone in the church, using language like this to another church person?

Most people wouldn’t consider that this statement was offered in love, but that’s exactly how Jesus offered it.

I wonder if the church today, has the true concept of love mixed up?

Maybe if we understood the true definition of love, this area wouldn’t be so misunderstood.

I think we could all agree, that Peter said these words… “but He is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3: 9)

If it is the hope of Jesus that not a single one would perish, wouldn’t He do or say just about anything, to get someone’s undivided attention?

Look at the depth of love Jesus went to, to save a bunch of wretch’s like us.

Talk about love…but be sure you know how ugly that love looked like.

Are you willing to love someone so deeply, that you’ll tell them the truth, regardless of how they’ll feel toward you afterward?

Maybe what we think is love, isn’t love at all.

When my folks offered correction in my life, I knew whole heartedly that they loved me.

They would’ve done just about anything, to save me from walking down the broad path.

Ask yourself: Is it possible that my concept of love, doesn’t match up with the Bible?

Humble!

Matthew 18: 4

⁴ Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus said that the person who humbles himself like a little child, is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Notice that He didn’t say the one who acts like a child.

It takes a lot of courage to confess that you could be wrong.

It is thoroughly prideful, not to consider our personal flaws.

Actually, the person that could admit they might be wrong, would do a lot to make a wrong, right.

Paul also said something about not keeping score cards.

I wonder what the church could look like, if it’s members decided to put on humility?

It would be the most glorious experience known to man.

I also wonder how much unnecessary energy do we waste, trying to nitpick something in the church we attend?

What if instead of picking something apart, we looked instead to the areas we agree.

St. Paul emphasized humility in most of his teachings.

So if Paul went through all that work to teach on humility, then why aren’t we humble all the time?

Followers of Jesus will be lifted up for being humble.

Maybe imitating Jesus, would clear all of this up…

Conflicts!

Acts 15: 37 - 38 (ESV)

³⁷ Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.

³⁸ But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.

 

This might have been one of the first conflicts in the early church.

John Mark showed his true colors, and then Paul had a problem with Barnabas wanting to include him in ministry.

 

Do you have conflicts in the church you go to?

If you don’t think so, then guess again!

 

Here’s something to really think about…

Just because you might have conflict in your church, doesn’t mean that God isn’t a part of your church.

 

Every person that I go to church with, each brings their own assorted baggage into that environment.

Maybe the Pastor above all, has some pretty severe baggage!

 

Once God has revealed the heart of the conflict, we would do well to bring on a full resolution and restoration.

Maybe if we worked as hard at repair, as the devil does to destroy, conflicts could easily be repaired.

 

If we always insist on being right, then maybe the problem has already been exposed.

 

·         Ask yourself: “Is it possible, that I could be the source of great conflict?”

 

If you’re humble even just a little bit, then you’ll know the answer to that question…

The Right Stock!

1 Samuel 2: 2

2 "There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no rock like our God.”

Monday night’s Badger game, disappointed the die hard, faithful basketball fan.

It almost seemed to be the perfect time for a win, since the last NCAA championship happened in Wisconsin 74 years ago.

I wonder if we might put too much stock in a basketball game, and not enough stock in God?

There is no one like our God, but there may be some Badger faithful, who just don’t want to hear that.

Even in disappointment, God remains the same.

Sure, it would’ve been nice for the Badger’s to win, but had we lost God, now that would’ve been truly disappointing.

There was a time when winning and losing consumed a lot of my time.

I use most of my time these days, getting to know my God more intimately.

I met with 4 other faith-filled men yesterday morning, who stayed up late to watch basketball, but got up early to pray.

Maybe our focus is on the wrong things. Is that possible?

At the end of the day, God will never leave us.

I think I penned something similar, when the Packers blew a double digit lead in the NFC championship game.

Just like back in January, the world still hasn’t ended…

·         Ask yourself: “What things in life, do I put more stock in, than I put stock in God?”

Selfless Acts!

Philippians 2: 4 - 5 (ESV)

⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…

I’m curious to know how many people really look out for the interest of others?

Let’s face it, even some of the nicest church people I know, can at times, be sort of self centered.

I had a recent meeting with a young couple, and I asked each of them the definition of love.

Part of the answer they gave was almost right on. “It’s a selfless act surrendered to another…”

The actual definition, is… “giving something of value to another person--without expecting anything in return”.

Actually, that definition explains Jesus to a “T”.

The mind of Jesus, is what should drive the church.

We don’t need another committee meeting, for this to be the driving force of the church.

I don’t like committees--but I do like loving people, like Jesus did.

Will that be your goal today?

What would happen if we all looked out for the interest of others, before looking out for our own?

·         Ask yourself: “When’s the last time I purposely loved someone else, without having to justify it in my mind?”

Be Committed!

Romans 12: 10

¹⁰ Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Now that the Easter season is over, what’s your spiritual plan going forward?

This morning’s verse is a real mark of a follower of Jesus.

I must admit, that I too have some trouble offering the brotherly affection that I should easily offer.

How do you fair with this early morning challenge?

Is it possible for a Christian’s love to wane after time?

But then that’s as much of a contradiction, than I’ve ever heard.

Who needs you to show them honor this week?

Who is just waiting to be encouraged and cared for, by you?

Commitment as a follower of Jesus, is to take another brother/sister by the hand, and offer them something maybe they’ve been missing.

When’s the last time you asked God to bring you more determination to love?

To love is not as easy as it would seem.

To love in the power of Jesus, puts the onus back on Him.

Maybe we’re trying to love in our own  power.

That never seems to work very well, does it?

·         Ask yourself… “Is it possible that I only love, when its convenient for me to love?”

Be Uncomplicated!

James 2: 18 - 19

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

I think it’s sort of humorous, and then I also think it’s pretty sad at the same time, when I hear people say… “Well, I believe in God!”

Those are the same people, that at the end of their lives, are going to be very sorry for using that lame excuse for not following Jesus.

That kind of statement, is a person who is putting their faith in themselves, and not in God.

Salvation doesn’t end with making an intellectual statement, it’s proved by the manifested works in our lives.

Works is not a means for salvation, but rather, they are a result of salvation.

I heard someone once say to me… “Well, of course I believe in Jesus, I teach Sunday school, don’t I?”

Just because someone teaches Sunday school, doesn’t mean they’re a follower of Jesus.

Even the demons shake, rattle and roll at the name of Jesus, so maybe we should take a lesson from them.

Only by a complete dependence on Jesus, can a person be truly saved.

Going to church on Sunday is the easy part…surrendering our lives to His great calling, is yet another.

You will not get to Heaven by self confidence…self esteem…or even pride.

Actually, the Bible condemns that kind of person.

Maybe before you go to bed tonight…you had better get this worked out…if you haven’t already…

·         Ask yourself… “In what ways do I complicate my spiritual life?”

Remember!

Deuteronomy 32: 7 (ESV)

⁷ Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.

How often do you consider the things of God?

I named this devotional, “Light Reflections”, and yet I realize that some of these reflections are not so light, after all.

Maybe it’s just me, but when I consider or reflect on the nature of God, for me, it’s just too much to take in.

I can’t explain it, but I’m not sure why the God as we know Him, would send His one and only Son into the world, to die in my place.

That is not a cynical statement, but as I consider what my lot in life could have been, I’m a little overwhelmed.

I wonder how many people, are still overwhelmed when they consider the cross?

This is not an emotional moment for me per say, but then again, maybe it is.

Has the message of the Gospel for some, gotten stale?

I hope that is not the case, but then I’m not convinced that the church of Christ is all that thrilled any more, about Holy week.

As I remember the days of old, I’m so thankful for a Mom who showed me how important this week is.

One of the things I love the most about being a Grandpa, is for the opportunity to have my Grandbabies ask me about Jesus, one day.

I don’t even have to think about what my answer  is going to be.

The way I really feel, is still right on the very edge of my heart…and I’m going to be sure to tell them, the first chance I get…

Ask yourself:

·         When I reflect on the things of God, am I still trying to find out who God is, or am I still trying to find out who I am?